Extinctions on the rise in the Galapagos: overfishing and global warming devastating islands' species =0



The Problem!!!

Several species of marine plants and animals are believed to have become extinct and many others are seriously threatened, a new report reveals. Researchers blame the impact of rising ocean temperatures coupled with fishing and tourism. Once abundant coral reefs and kelp beds had been wiped out in just a few decades, said the scientists from US-based Conservation International. Species that were previously plentiful such as the Galapagos black-spotted damselfish, the 24-rayed sunstar and the Galapagos stringweed were now thought to have vanished. Dozens of others, including the Galapagos penguin, were within ''a hairsbreadth of annihilation''.




galapagospenguin.jpgFloreana-Coral.jpggalapagospenguin.jpgFloreana-Coral.jpg

The Potential Consequences =[


  • The wildlife we eat today was part of an ecosystem which was under stress from global climate change and when these ecosystems are damaged, alot of species can vanish.
  • Climate changes will increase the erosion of coral reefs.
  • Many species are now known as vulnerable due to over fishing.

  • Expansion of sea urchin populations has upset the delicate web of marine life in the islands.

  • Which is causing them to consume more algea at high rates. Algea is VERY! important for other marine species.


The Solution =D


  • Catch share programs replace complex rules dictating how fishing will be practiced
  • Fishermen, individually or in cooperatives, are granted a percentage share of the total allowable catch. They can also be granted exclusive access to particular fishing zones.
  • As long as fishermen do not exceed their share, they have greater flexibility to fish when weather and market conditions are best.

$$$$$$$ The economy $$$$$$


  • As the fisherman shares grow in value as the overall fishery improves, providing them a greater financial stake in sound resource management.
  • The economy can manage the amount of fish that people take.
  • We could manage the temperature of the water.


Soruces:


  1. http://www.naturalpath.com/sustainability/extinctions-rise-galapagos-fishing-and-global-warming-devastating-islands-species
  2. http://www.herpetofauna.com/news/extinctions-on-the-rise-in-the-galapagos-fishing-and-global-warming-devastating-islands-species.html